Macon County Humane Society is offering the perfect solution to individuals who would enjoy the antics and fun of a kitten or puppy, but who, for various reasons, do not wish to have a cat or dog for the rest of its life. Since pet lives are getting longer, just as ours are, this is a definite commitment that not everyone wants to make; however, one misses the laughter and enjoyment of watching a young animal develop.

Fostering is a way of obtaining the pleasure of temporarily caring for a kitten or puppy during its formative months and MCHS has recently begun a program to do just that. There are several options available: a mother cat or dog with a litter, weaned litters of kittens or puppies (litter trained, but not house broken) or an individual weaned kitten or puppy.

This arrangement not only benefits the foster parent but is very important to the kitten or puppy. Young animals that have been handled and cared for with affection develop into much more adoptable kittens and puppies since they continue to desire the companionship that they have had early in life. It is also extremely beneficial for the physical well being of the animals since they get to develop muscle tone and coordination that they would be unable to attain in a cage.

Individuals may foster with the plan to adopt the puppy or kitten, and this allows them to have the animal earlier than would be possible than if it had to remain at the Shelter until it was spayed or neutered.

And truly, one does not want to keep all the kittens or puppies one fosters. While it is difficult to return them to the shelter, the thought that your efforts have made them more adoptable is a very positive approach.

Fostering is a win/win situation. Kittens and puppies get to be in a home for their formative months, and individuals who foster have their seratonin levels raised on a daily basis. There can be nothing that generates more laughter than watching young kittens and puppies at play!

For information about the MCHS fostering program please call the Shelter at (828)524-4588. We have kittens and puppies waiting just for you!